Recommend a good beer (available in kegs)?

[DrunkPenguin]

so I now have a fully functional kegerator and I am about to deplete my test keg, MGD. I would like to put in some really good beer now, but I am not that familiar with anything other than the advertised namebrands. I live in Sacramento CA, I generally like mgd, corona, or coors light. I have never really met a beer I didnt like, but does anybody have any suggestions on what I should try? I get my kegs from a small liquor store and he says he can order anything that I ask for, but hes not really set up for taste testing. This guy has always been extremely nice so I would prefer to give my money to him.


Any suggestions would be great,

Johnny

[batkins]

Since it sounds like you haven't sampled all that many microbrew's, I'd suggest Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. You could pick up a 6'er, at just about any grocery or beer store, to sample first. It's a really good beer to cut your teeth on, not too strong (in abv or overpowering taste), nice little hoppiness, and it's a great summer beer also.
Good luck,
Bill

[DrunkPenguin]

thats a good idea, didnt even think about trying 6 packs. good call!

thanks for the reply.


Johnny

[Stodbrew]

I would recommend going to one of the local breweries around you, Rubicon, Sacramento Brewing, Hoppy Brewing, etc. and tasting their beers. If you like one or more of them, you can probably order a keg directly from the brewery.

[threecb]

I was going to say the same thing that Stodbrew just said. This way you can taste before you buy. The other good thing about supporting the smaller local breweries (besides all of the obvious reasons) is that many sell their beers in Sixtels (1/6th kegs) so you can have better turnaround on your kegs, keeping fresher beer. If you wanted to go that route...

[hopjack13]

also if there is a beverages and more store near you , they have bee tasting there, also a great selection of craft beer.

[DrunkPenguin]

i will probably try some local brewerys. i refuse to go back to beverages and more, they are the most unhelpful people i have ever tried to deal with.

thanks for the tips guys.

Johnny

[thewiz]

Sierra Nevada is in Chico, right off Highway 99 at the 20th Street exit btw (just in case you didn't know) about an hour north of you.... the brewery has a restaurant and a huge sampler - so it might be worth a trip up.... if you go let me know - maybe i'll join you 8-)

Mark

[thewiz]

I'm gonna put this out there - feel free to pick on me however you see fit...

If you're an MGD type drinker and interested in better beers, I would work my way up... craft pils/lagers, then some lighter ales... it's all about discovery - and btw, lots of places sell 24's for a couple bucks - cheaper than a whole 6 if you just want to try something. Once you get in the spirit of trying new stuff - who knows what you'll like?!?

I usually start any beer drinking with something 'lighter' if you will like a pilsner/lager and then drink something a little heavier as a night wears on.... if you are a pils/lager drinker.... i.e. MGD, etc.... and that's what you want here's what commercial beers I stock (my homebrew pils never lasts long enuf).... I think any of these are a huge upgrade from the MGD types and often just as cheap on sale @ Raleys or Safeway.

Gordon Biersch Golden Export or
Gordon Biersch Pilsner
Pyramid Pilsner
Lagunitas whatever it's called
Blue Moon Belgian White
Sierra Nevada Summerfest or Oktoberfest in season (stronger)
(lager fans note: I'm thinking something that might be avail locally in a keg hence Pils Urquell and the like not on list)

Not being a big dark beer fan myself - from a commercial standpoint, here are the ales you will find in my house 'on any given Sunday'.... although my commercial ale stock will likely begin to disappear now that I've started brewing an awesome pale ale for my tastes at home in the keg....

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Bass Pale Ale (it's often like $8.99/12 @ Rite Aid)
Red Hook ESB
Lagunitas Cream Ale (i think it's called)
Pyramid Snow Cap in season

just my .02 - happy drinking!